I have very little experience with mares. It's not that I have anything against them- I've been acquainted with many lovely mares. But I have only owned and/or ridden geldings.
So Lexie is new territory for me. Irish loves mares so since she arrived he's been smitten. And she's been very good for him.
Last week I was cleaning out the small paddock and Lexie came down to keep me company. She just hung around with me keeping me company but staying out of my way. I stopped to give her a scratch and while she was enjoying this Irish came down to share in the love. Or perhaps he suspected that there were carrots. I gave him a wee scratch on his nose when Lexie pinned her ears and swung her head in a 'get lost' gesture. Irish backed up and stood looking at me with a 'what just happened' expression. I had to laugh because he used to do that to Steele.
I went into the house and said to Ed "I think that Irish is learning that he's no longer in charge"
Ed laughed and said "of course not. He's got a girl now"
"what do you mean by that?"
"nothing. Nothing at all"
I've been watching and Irish is definitely no longer in control. Little Lexie has him exactly where she wants him. All she has to do is cock a hind leg and he moves away. At supper time she will come into Irish's stall while I prepare the feed. Steele used to do that too. When Irish had enough he would tell Steele to get out and Steele would leave quickly. It's different with Lexie. Irish hangs around outside
"ahem. Um. excuse me but I think that you're in my stall"
Lexie ignores him
"not that I mind, of course. But the servant she's got these ideas. I'm sure that you understand what I mean?"
Lexie swishes her tail
"I'm okay staying out here. I can wait. I could even use your stall. I mean, if that's okay with you."
Irish casts an imploring look my way and I take Lexie over to her stall.
Lexie gets first choice of the hay. She lets Irish graze with her on the side she doesn't want.
Most days she doesn't go into his stall now.
But every now and then a girl has to make a point.
Careful... mares are addictive ;)
ReplyDeletethey may be. I realize that it's too late for you. :)
DeleteMy 3 are a little diffrrent. Penny as oldest and mom is thd boss but tries not to interact with the others too much. Yearling Willow though pushes her 2 yr old sister around. Poor Bala is a push over.
ReplyDeleteimagine if you had a gelding- poor guy would be totally pushed around.
DeleteThe mares I've been involved with were no nonsense. They knew how to streamline the communication. Content, as long as I "respected their authoritah" lol.
ReplyDeleteLike yourself, I have owned and ridden geldings, but managed a large boarding operation for years. My observation was that, in general, geldings tend to be a little sweeter and steadier in disposition than a fair number of mares. That being said, I adore mares, too. Sounds like your Irish moved down a rung in the barn's pecking order...I could just picture his face when he asked you for help! Made me smile...hope it brought you at least a small smile, too.
ReplyDeleteyes it did make me smile!
DeleteAww poor Irish has been dethroned!! It's good for him though hehe.
ReplyDeleteabsolutely
Deleteah, yes. I know this behavior well. Princess Lucy rules the roost here. She's the first mare I've owned and, I have to say, I love her to death. Maybe we understand each other... Brett, like Ed, would draw similarities...
ReplyDeletelol. I bet...
DeleteMares are awesome! The look on poor Irish's face must be classic. :)
ReplyDeleteIrish has the best expressions
DeleteLexie definitely sounds like the boss! Mystic is the first mare I've owned and I find her quite sassy.
ReplyDeletemares are definitely different!
DeleteLOL I miss our little shetland pony mare, Sally. She really knew how to push my other horses buttons, all with an innocent expression. I see Lexie has everyone trained now :)
ReplyDeleteshe believes that I still require some work but she's giving it her best.
DeleteLike you I've always had and ridden geldings. Until I got Her Highness Miss Dusty. I love her to the moon and back. She takes no nonsense from the boys (except Mellon, herd leader, but she doesn't like it one bit) and she's sweet as pie to Nate (her man). She tolerates me but as for riding, she's the smartest most willing horse I've ever ridden or worked with. She loves to learn new things, picks everything up quickly and just wants to go and have a good time. I'd say careful, mares are addicting too. I'd love another few but we have no more room at the inn.
ReplyDeleteI love mares. I like their sassiness and the fact that you have to "earn" your spot with them. Love them.
ReplyDeleteBut then my husband got this gelding and he is the sweetest thing ever. I'll not give up my mare, but I certainly understand the draw to geldings now in a way I didn't before.
I love mares. My first two were mares and I never thought I would get a gelding. My mares have been the cuddliest loving horses. But they don't put up with nonsense. My first mare taught me how to ride. I'm glad you have someone in who's entirely different than Steele. She will entertain you.
ReplyDelete